To the Editor,

Having read two of the smaller articles in our recent (Graphic) Communicator which particularly interested me, I felt that some further information on them would be in order. Being a retiree for some years now and the president of our local's retiree club, I realize that retirement does not mean we are no longer concerned with the well-being of union membership and the politics of our various countries. In fact, it gives us more time to understand and act on them.

Firstly, the letter from Wallace M. Johnson (also a retiree): "Since I am retired, whether the Republicans prevail in November or not, probably won't make much difference to me. . . ." That may be true, but being retired, one can still help to make their voice known through a seniors group, which I hope are available in the U.S., as they are in Canada, or if the local union has a retiree organization for its members once retirement comes around.

Seriously consider becoming part of an organization such as this, because your voice is needed even more now, in this ever-changing world of politics and big money control.

Secondly, the comments from our own Vice Pres. Duncan Brown, who urges Canadian members should join the New Democratic Party, (NDP) as the only means to have a government whose real interest lies in the working person's corner – NOT in the hands of big business.

I would couple this with a further suggestion. In Canada, there is an organization called the "Congress of Union Retirees of Canada," (CURC) which was formed in order for retirees to remain active once their working portion of life is completed. It is affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress and has its office in their building. Membership is open to all union retirees from coast to coast.

Our retiree club is affiliated, of course. It is a further arm by which we can let our voices be known to the government, along with many other seniors organizations, on topics that affect retirees/seniors in particular, plus other such items as the Canada social programs, affordable housing, pensions, long-term care, World Trade Organization – even labor legislation – plus many other things that affect the livelihood of ALL Canadians.

Regular conventions are held to enable members to gather and discuss the needs of retirees/citizens as a whole, and presentations are submitted to the various government bodies. For members, CURC has also their own health and welfare plans for those whose unions do not continue coverage once retired. Along with this there are life insurance, car and home plans available at reasonable cost.

So, in Canada, I would recommend CURC to the retired members of unions and further urge retirees of GCIU to join, along with a membership of the NDP and get the best way possible to have YOUR interests served.

CURC can be reached at (613) 526-7422. Ask for Larry Wagg, first vice president. I'm not aware if the U.S. has such a body for retirees affiliated to the AFL-CIO, but I do know there are many locals with retiree groups. Information could be through the International office if need be, I'm sure. It would be well worth your while as a retiree to keep up the association and have your say. Such combined groups have been successful in Canada by having certain legislation concerning retirees/seniors withdrawn. An old saying: "The more, the merrier" could possibly make politicians think twice before putting their signature on legislation that would be detrimental to workers.

Despite being retirees, we should still be very much concerned about the way the world in general is heading. If there are enough of us combining with other groups of a like mind, perhaps our small effort, being part of an organization whose interests are for the working people and NOT the big corporations, results could be more beneficial now and in the future for our children. That alone is worth the effort.